Rebecca Beaulieu is the communications director at 350NH Action, a climate activism organization.

The New Hampshire House Science, Technology and Energy Committee heard multiple bills last week that would prevent the state from participating in offshore wind energy development.

HB 682 eliminates an office and a committee in the Energy Department focused on offshore wind. HB 575 tries to outright ban wind energy in the Gulf of Maine and institute fines for companies that don’t comply. HCR 4 resolves that the state should reject all offshore wind projects and urges all neighboring states to act similarly. The bills and testimonies shared during the hearings stirred up fear for a clean energy source that has an overall positive impact.

In 2019, after more than 20 towns passed warrant articles and resolutions to support offshore wind, Gov. Sununu signed us onto the Offshore Wind Task Force. In the six years since that decision, there have been meetings and studies to determine the areas in the Gulf of Maine most suitable for offshore wind, creating the least impact on the ocean environment. Now that lease agreements have been signed, a thorough permitting process will take place, including rigorous environmental studies.

Banning offshore wind or removing NH from the discussion in the Gulf of Maine at this point is not good for business. Offshore wind is not dangerous in the ways that some of these bills imply. If implemented in a thorough and thoughtful way, offshore wind will be good for New Hampshire on an economic and environmental scale.

Right now, New Hampshire is overly dependent on natural gas for fuel, which we import from out of state at high costs. Building offshore wind for the Granite State diversifies our energy mix, helping to stabilize prices. Offshore wind is also cheaper and healthier than natural gas. The industry is growing across the country, and if we refuse to be a part of it, then we will lose out on jobs for our residents. Even the Business and Industry Association opposes legislation to ban wind energy, as their representative testified on Feb. 3, because it would hurt future innovation. If New Hampshire really wants to be an attractive place for business owners, then deliberately banning an entire industry is a huge mistake.

Environmental concerns for offshore wind are understandable. We want to ensure that this technology does not exacerbate issues in the ocean and that it can coexist with marine life. Mitigation strategies and the thoughtful construction of wind farms can minimize negative impacts for fish, birds and other wildlife.

Every energy technology has its drawbacks, but oil rigs that destroy ecosystems and cause oil spills that pollute the water are far worse than windmills. Scientists are currently studying the impacts of wind technology on the ocean and have so far found that thoughtfully implemented projects where all stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process have a minimal impact on the environment.

In fact, climate change poses the most significant threats to our oceans as warmer water changes migration patterns and water flow, creating issues like habitat loss, coral bleaching and pollution from sea level rise. Fossil fuels actively contribute to climate change, while wind power does not burn fossil fuels and is a cleaner alternative that can reduce our overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Offshore wind is good for the planet and good for business. It would be a mistake for New Hampshire to pass any of this legislation.